Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
481. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the total cost of increasing the income disregards for the carers allowance means test for single and married carers in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains the commitment to continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance across a series of Budgets with a view to phasing out the means test over the lifetime of the Government.
Budget 2026 has increased the earnings disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 per week for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 per week for a couple. These are the largest ever increases in the Carer's Allowance income disregards and are evidence of the Government's determination to deliver on its commitment to Carers. This change will be effective from July this year.
The cumulative impact of the increases to the Carer's Allowance disregards over recent years is currently being examined. When complete, this work will inform the costing of any further increases.
Any changes to the Carer's Allowance income disregards would have to be considered in a budgetary context and as part of the annual Budget process.
